We were fortunate to catch up with some brilliant artists, creatives and entrepreneurs from throughout the Houston area and they share the wisdom with us below.

Waide Riddle | Author & Writer

I am now 61. Money, personal wealth, finances, and daily budgeting have become more important than ever. As I age, I realize my health and wealth, are the most important factors in my life. I’m on SSI for a spinal injury I sustained in 2013. I’ll begin drawing my social security next year. These ‘points’ play a role in constant budgeting and being aware of my future and plans. It’s important to always have a plan as you age. Thankfully, I have a wonderful relationship with my bank, the SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union, which I’ve been a member of for over 20 years. The staff and Vice President have been constant mentors through thick and thin. I’m very grateful. I have also been a member of the Actors Federal Credit Union and listened to their advisors and staff closely throughout the years. I have been guided by Jerry Jones of the Raymond James Group Private Wealth Management in Colorado Springs. Jerry has been mentoring me for 30 years. It is so important to have advisors who help you lock your finances down and have a grounded home for your wealth no matter how wealthy or non-wealthy you may think you are. I also receive financial advice from portfolio manager Connor Coman from TransAmerica Advisors in Memphis. With all of this financial help, guidance, and advice, I’m in good hands as I age. In short, now is the time to HAVE A FINANCIAL PLAN! Read more>>

Sona Movsesian

Money is SO exhausting for me to think about – it’s my least favorite subject. I know its a necessary but I’ve tried to never allow it to become something that controls my motives behind working. I got to a place a while ago where I was able to sustain a lifestyle that I liked and since then I’ve acknowledged how fortunate I’ve been but tried not to let greed get the best of me. My husband and I tried to plan our life around uncertainty, knowing that either one of us can lose our jobs because of whatever circumstances so we don’t live a lavish life. I’m REALLY lucky because my brother is a financial advisor and forced me to plan for my future and be more responsible with money. If it wasn’t for him, I’d probably have all my money in a checking account somewhere. Read more>>

Dawnette Palmore | Expert Money Coach, Speaker, Podcast Host

As a parent, I believe the most significant impact I’ve had on my children is carving out a path they can use as a blueprint—not necessarily to follow step by step, but as an example of what they can achieve in life with dedication and hard work. I also gave my children stability, something I didn’t have growing up in a broken family where we moved around a lot. By showing them that generational curses can be broken, I’ve demonstrated that they don’t have to be defined by their past. Coming from a line of addicts and abusers, I’ve worked hard to break those cycles and create a better future for my children. Read more>>

Savanna Crasto | Director, Producer, Writer and Actor.

The most important decision I’ve made, and that I continue to make is choosing to focus on how I want to move through the world and what I want for my life. Especially with the amount of emotional and physical work involved in creating a film, it can be easy to get caught up in group settings that don’t necessarily align with who you are. I’ve realised it’s a pretty dangerous place to be in because you feel the comfortability of having a community but I think the wrong community for you, the wrong people can make you smaller than you are. For me, there’s not much I love more than an artist pursuing a craft from a place of generosity so when I’m looking at the people around me that’s something I put a lot of attention towards. There’s a big difference between someone who first and foremost wants art to work for them compared to someone who first and foremost wants to work for art. The single most important decision I’ve made is to take a step away from the industry, the activity, and focus in on, as corny as it sounds, the genuine expressions of love. Just as it is with people, there’s a big difference between a piece of work that’s been nurtured by someone who wants nothing more than for it to be itself. Read more>>

Lyndsey Parker | Music Journalist & Host

I think, as strange or uncool as this might sound, choosing to make one side focus of my career covering reality TV was one of the smartest long-term professional decisions I’d ever made. Read more>>

Lily Georgia | Social Media Creator & Actor

The things I would love for others to take away is having a strong perseverance that no matter the situation, you still find a way to get up in the morning, and that although everything may not be figured out all at once, you trust the fact that it will all fall into place how it’s supposed to. I want to inspire, educate and reignite the faith that was able to get me through everything and as I’m writing this, I am still applying that same faith in my current situations in my life to get me through. I would love to teach others how to face challenges and how to fight through those battles life can throw at you . Read more>>

Xue Bravo

I want my legacy to be that she was a daughter of the Lord, stewarding her gifts and serving people everywhere to create a better life and business, helping them to leave their own legacy. Read more>>

Lakshmi Nymisha Gummadi | Production Designer / Art Director / Architect

In my experience, the key to thriving in this industry is all about the people – it’s about how you connect and relate to those around you, making up a significant 80% of the equation. The remaining 20% is a mix of your unique talents and the experience you bring to the table. With long hours being the norm (I’m talking a minimum of 10 to 12 hours a day), it’s crucial to curate a positive and inspiring environment by surrounding yourself with the right kind of people. Read more>>

Rozalyn Corona | Chingona Community OG

One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is the notion that our youth should prioritize attending a four-year university right out of high school. As a society, we’ve been taught that this is the most important goal, but that might not be the best fit for everyone. Depending on what a young person wants to pursue, starting gradually at a junior college can be a smart and financially sound choice. With minimal costs, they can explore their options, build a strong academic foundation, and even transfer to a four-year university later if that aligns with their goals. Read more>>

Roland Gruspe Jr

I’ve learned that authentic interpersonal connections are what ultimately drive my business/career, and that if you want to succeed at any job, make yourself invaluable! Go the extra mile and make them never be able to imagine what life without you there would be like. Read more>>